A roof at Delhi airport collapsed after heavy rain, killing one person and injuring four others. Videos online show massive pillars supporting the roof crashing into cars parked along the airport’s Terminal 1.
All flights from the terminal have been temporarily suspended, and check-in counters have been closed. The incident occurred at 05:00 (23:30 GMT Thursday), according to authorities.
Rescue operations are underway at the airport, and the injured are receiving treatment in hospitals. India’s aviation regulator has advised airlines to accommodate passengers on alternate flights or offer refunds.
The accident has disrupted the travel plans of thousands, as most domestic flights depart from Terminal 1. Some airlines have shifted flight operations to the airport’s remaining two terminals.
Federal Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has announced compensation of 2 million rupees ($24,000; £19,000) for the family of the deceased and 300,000 rupees for each of the injured. He assured reporters that the situation was under control and that inspections were underway to prevent any further incidents. Kinjarapu also mentioned that airports with additional structures across the country would be inspected.
The incident drew criticism on social media, with many pointing out that Terminal 1 had recently undergone a massive renovation costing billions of rupees and had been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March, just before the general election.
However, Kinjarapu clarified that the collapsed portion was not part of the renovated section. “I want to clarify that the building inaugurated by PM Modi is on the other side, and the building that collapsed here is an old building, opened in 2009,” he said.